HNX Protective Gas
Plant (N₂–H₂)
Advanced protective atmosphere generation systems producing controlled nitrogen-hydrogen mixtures for steel processing, galvanizing, and heat treatment applications with precise composition control.
What is HNX Protective Gas?
HNX (Hydrogen-Nitrogen) protective gas plants are specialized systems designed to produce controlled mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen for creating protective atmospheres in steel processing applications.
PSA Nitrogen Generation
The nitrogen component is generated using proven PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology with Carbon Molecular Sieves, providing a reliable on-site source of high-purity nitrogen (97-99.9%) that forms the base gas for the protective atmosphere.
Hydrogen Dosing System
Precise hydrogen dosing system adds controlled amounts of hydrogen (2-10%) to the nitrogen stream, creating the exact protective atmosphere composition required for your process with integrated safety features and continuous monitoring.
Reducing Atmosphere
The hydrogen component provides reducing properties essential for preventing oxidation and achieving superior surface quality in steel processing, while nitrogen acts as the carrier gas and provides inert atmosphere protection.
Precise Control
Advanced PLC control systems with real-time composition monitoring ensure exact gas mixture ratios, maintaining consistent quality and optimal process control for your specific application requirements.
HNX Applications in Steel Processing
Our HNX protective gas plants serve critical applications across the steel processing industry
Continuous Galvanizing Lines (CGL)
Creating protective atmospheres in CGL operations to prevent oxidation during the annealing process.
- High-quality galvanized steel production
- Excellent surface finish and coating adhesion
- Reduced oxide formation and defects
Bright Annealing
Providing reducing atmosphere for bright annealing of stainless steel and other alloys.
- Oxide-free, bright surfaces without pickling
- Superior surface quality and appearance
- Reduced processing steps and costs
Strip Annealing
Atmosphere control in continuous strip annealing furnaces for various steel grades.
- Prevention of decarburization and oxidation
- Consistent metallurgical properties
- Improved mechanical characteristics
Heat Treatment Furnaces
Creating controlled atmospheres in batch and continuous heat treatment furnaces.
- Precise atmosphere control for various steel grades
- Consistent heat treatment results
- Optimal material properties
Sintering Operations
Providing reducing atmosphere for powder metallurgy sintering processes.
- Prevention of oxidation during sintering
- Optimal material density and strength
- Enhanced component properties
Wire & Tube Processing
Atmosphere control for wire annealing, tube welding, and continuous processing operations.
- Oxidation-free processing environments
- Superior product quality and finish
- Reduced post-processing requirements
Benefits of HNX Protective Gas Systems
On-site HNX generation delivers significant advantages for steel processing operations
Superior Surface Quality
Achieve oxide-free, bright surfaces with excellent finish quality, eliminating the need for costly post-processing treatments like pickling or polishing.
Cost Reduction
Significantly reduce gas costs by up to 60-70% compared to purchased gas cylinders or liquid gas, with typical ROI in 18-30 months for continuous operations.
Process Consistency
Maintain precise gas composition control with real-time monitoring, ensuring consistent process results and product quality across all production runs.
Supply Independence
Eliminate dependency on external gas suppliers with 24/7 on-demand generation, ensuring uninterrupted production and eliminating supply chain risks.
Enhanced Safety
Comprehensive safety systems including leak detection, automatic shutdown, and continuous monitoring ensure safe hydrogen handling and operation.
Operational Flexibility
Adjust gas composition and flow rates instantly to match specific process requirements and production schedules without waiting for supplier deliveries.
Technical Specifications
Our HNX protective gas plants are specifically configured for steel processing requirements
Gas Composition
- Nitrogen Content:90-98% (adjustable based on application)
- Hydrogen Content:2-10% (precisely controlled)
- Oxygen Level:<100 ppm for optimal protection
- Dew Point:-40°C to -60°C for moisture-free gas
System Parameters
- Flow Rate: 50-5000 Nm³/hr (customizable)
- Delivery Pressure: 0.5-7 bar(g)
- PLC control with touch screen HMI
- Continuous composition monitoring
- Automatic operation with minimal maintenance
- Compact skid-mounted design
- Remote monitoring capabilities
- Power Supply: 415V, 3-phase, 50Hz
Safety Features
Our HNX systems incorporate comprehensive safety features for safe hydrogen handling:
- Hydrogen leak detection system
- Automatic shutdown on fault detection
- Pressure relief valves and safety interlocks
- Emergency ventilation systems
- Flame arrestors and flashback protection
- Continuous gas composition monitoring
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to discuss your HNX protective gas requirements and discover how our systems can improve surface quality, reduce costs, and optimize your operations.